Into the neighborhood

Last night I was part of a group of 12 people took Jesus into the neighborhood around Berea Lutheran Church in the Belair-Edison community of Baltimore City.  This community has been plagued with crime, and yet the presence and peace of the Lord was so evident as we prayer-walked through the community.  The group was made up of the District Commander and an officer of the Baltimore Police Department, members of Berea and a few other Christians who came to help bring peace into the neighborhood.

We gathered at the church and prayed before the walk began. About 7 p.m. the group headed up the neighborhood street adjacent to the church.  Like much of Baltimore, row houses lined the street, each looking the same and yet each distinct.  These homes had large front porches, an element missing on the houses in my neighborhood, where families were gathered on this pleasant summer evening.

Activities varied from house to house - some were enjoying music, one group creating a medley of beat rhythms on a keyboard and one family enjoying a birthday celebration with steamed crabs.   Several porches had people just enjoying the welcome cool air and each other's company.  The children were so curious about what we were doing and some even joined us to pray.

The persons of peace became evident!  We openly shared that we were praying for the community with each person or group we encountered and asked if there was anything specific that they would like us pray for?  Some people readily welcomed us and several requests were given.  We had the opportunity to pray with some families after asking each one if we could pray with them.  As a contrast, we also encountered people that were uncomfortable with our presence.  Our purpose was to pray for and bless the community.  We were not giving a Gospel "presentation" other than being present and praying.  One man went so far as to say it was police harassment.

With each experience, the Lord is teaching me to perceive through His Spirit and minister to others with His compassionate grace.  Some things are only learned AS we do them.  I  encourage you to be brave and step out with others who are following Jesus into the mission field.

God's Peace be with you!